Victor Osimhen has turned down the prospect of a move to Manchester United in the January transfer window with the Nigerian striker content to remain on loan at Galatasaray until the end of the season, according to a blockbuster report from Italy.
La Repubblica, an Italian national newspaper, contend the Red Devils have made an approach to Napoli – Osimhen’s parent club – over signing the 25-year-old this month with Old Trafford officials keen to buttress Ruben Amorim’s squad with a much-needed goal scorer.
However, the report reveals (as relayed by Football Italia), Osimhen has rejected United’s advances with the Nigerian international choosing to remain in Turkey, where he has helped his adopted side to a commanding position at the top of the Süper Lig table.
Osimhen has scored 13 goals in 16 appearances for Galatasaray since leaving Naples on a loan in September, while providing a further four assists.
By comparison, the forward line at Old Trafford, comprising Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, Mason Mount and Antony, has scored just 15 times between them.
Only four teams have scored fewer times than United in the Premier League, with the club languished in a dismal 13th place in the table.
It’s little surprise, therefore, that Osimhen had emerged as a primary target in the January window, given his unique combination of guaranteed goals and apparent availability in the transfer market, with the 25-year-old’s loan deal including a break clause from Galatasaray should a suitable offer arrive in Naples.
However, this was reliant upon Osimhen agreeing to such a deal; and the striker’s apparent refusal to entertain United’s approach has “infuriated” Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
The Italian businessman reportedly sees it as “yet another example of Osimhen trying to make his situation difficult for Napoli” and is enraged by the 25-year-old’s decision.
The report reveals, “Osimhen replied to director Giovanni Manna that he wanted to remain with Galatasaray until the end of the season.”
The Nigerian international is believed to have an €81 million release clause in the January. However, this will drop to €75 million come the summer, underscoring why executives in Naples would be keen for a move to be agreed this month.
United appear increasingly unlikely to be able to agree a deal for Osimhen when it was a remote possibility to begin with, but the prospect of a reduced price for a proven goal scorer should ensure Old Trafford officials maintain a keen eye on developments in Turkey and Italy as the summer window approaches.
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
